Claiming Back Free Speech And Public Debate

Back in June PWF posted an article about SPUNC – the ‘newish’ Small Press Underground Networking Community. One goal important to ‘culture consumers’ is the desire to ‘improve the sector’s engagement with the public, with a specific focus on collaborative marketing, publicity, and distribution’. Joyce Parkes’ comment reflects and reinforces SPUNC’s raison d’etre:

“Without our small literary presses, dedicated writers will not have a voice, since it is not profitable to present the work of a writer of conscience. Our small literary magazines and journals, including University-based as well as our Writers Organisation-based publications, need a more judicious share of the funding dollar in order to survive and prosper. We have been predominantly culture consumers, rather than culture producers. Adequate funding support for our small literary magazines and journals will make Australian Culture and the Arts an eclectic endeavour.”

Aduki independent press’s Emily Clark tells us she has a book by Tristan Clark ‘Stick this in your memory hole’ due for release on 1 November 2007. It will be the first independent Australian Creative Commons-licensed book, other than those published by the Creative Commons project itself.

Emily says:

“We’re really proud to be the first Australian publisher to license a book under Creative Commons and believe this is another example of grassroots organisations leading the way in adopting new principles and ideas…

We really liked the idea of giving people easy access and the right to use the work without seeking our permission as the book has an important message that needs to be shared.”

AND, about the book…

Stick this in your memory hole

This is an important work at a time when radical thought and debate have been seriously eroded from the public discourse. The book employs biting satire and insightful critique to engage in a discussion of Australian politics and society. It comprises thirty-seven essay-style chapters covering a range of topics including politics, economics, consumerism, media, food, oil, logging, water and transportation.

The book carries a strong message in support of free speech and launches an unprecedented attack on an atrophied political system and those who comprise and support it. The title is a reference to George Orwell’s 1984, the ‘memory hole’ being a hole into which documents deemed to be conflicting with ‘official truths’ were placed for disposal. Tristan Clark, is indicative of the growing dissent against government and represents a sociopolitical voice outside of academia.

Where you can access ‘Stick this in your memory hole’

In print form, for $24.95, the book will be available at independent bookstores and online from 1 November. Users will also have open access to the work via download from the aduki website from that date.

As per the Creative Commons licence you will be able to use it in any way they like for non-commercial purposes.

Some will wonder why a publisher would give free access to a book online in addition to committing to print copies. Emily believes the two work well together:

“We don’t foresee the online version replacing the print version, rather it will work to complement it. The paperback is for people to hold and read and enjoy and the web-based material will act as a tool for them to copy, reference and use in other ways that are difficult to do with a print copy of a book.”

For review copies you can contact Emily on:
T: 03 9830 7851 M: 0412 664 330 E. emily@aduki.net.au

About Creative Commons

The Creative Commons provides an alternative licensing system so that authors, musicians and other creators can grant rights to the public to use their work without payment but still retain control over their copyright material. Schools can use Creative Commons resources such as music, film clips and photographs in their projects and teaching resources free of charge.

Conditions for using Creative Commons and other material

The licence terms under which items are available on these websites vary. Generally, you are asked to attribute (acknowledge) the name of the original creator when you use a copy of their work. Others require you to attribute the original creator and send them a copy of any resources you create which incorporate their material. Check the licence terms on each item before use.